P299: Bridging the gap between general and organic chemistry to improve learning and retention

Margaret Asirvatham (University of Colorado – Boulder, USA)

Teaching general and organic chemistry since fall 2007 at a large research university has unveiled a serious disconnect in student learning and understanding. Students fail to see the connection between concepts presented in general chemistry and their application in organic chemistry. Several strategies will be presented that review and reinforce general chemistry concepts and principles in first-semester organic chemistry. Acid-base chemistry and thermodynamics are two areas that have been targeted in general and organic chemistry. An initial assessment of prior knowledge developed for first-semester organic chemistry will also be presented. The results of data collected since fall 2007 will be discussed.